Spencer Steer hit a go-ahead RBI double during a four-run sixth inning, and the Reds defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 6-3 on Monday night to end a three-game losing streak.
TJ Friedl, with three hits including his 10th homer, helped Cincinnati in the first game of a seven-game trip. Ty France added two hits and two RBIs.
The Reds had been swept by Kansas City at home over the weekend.
“Getting swept, it’s never fun, but you move on,” Friedl said. “That’s what this team does well. You can’t dwell on the past.”
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit his 26th homer for Toronto, and Ernie Clement also homered. Kevin Gausman (11-9) gave up four runs, three earned, and five hits in five-plus innings, taking his first loss since July 5.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider felt Gausman deserved better.
“Some close misses around the zone,” Schneider said. “They fouled off, it seemed, like half of his pitches.”
The Blue Jays, now in last place, lost for the third time in four games.
Tyler Stephenson sparked Cincinnati’s sixth-inning rally when he reached base on a passed ball by Alejandro Kirk on strike three. Friedl then singled, leading to Gausman’s exit.
Ryan Burr took over and allowed Steer’s go-ahead double. Jeimer Candelario struck out, but France hit a two-run double and scored on Jake Fraley’s double. All three doubles off Burr were hit to right-center.
Tony Santillan (1-1) earned the win with 1 1/3 scoreless innings in relief of Julian Aguiar, who allowed two runs and four hits in four innings during his major league debut.
“He settled in nicely,” Friedl said of Aguiar. “He was filling up the zone, he was attacking early. His stuff looked good from center field. I liked the way he was commanding his pitches.”
The Reds promoted Aguiar from Triple-A Louisville to start in place of injured All-Star Hunter Greene (elbow).
